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Endoscopy 2006; 38(9): 943-944
DOI: 10.1055/s-2006-925386
Case Report
© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Colonic explosion during endoscopic polypectomy: avoidable complication or bad luck?

D.  F.  G.  M.  Josemanders1 , E.  J.  Spillenaar Bilgen2 , A.  A.  van Sorge3 , P.  J.  Wahab1 , R.  A.  de Vries1
  • 1Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Rijnstate Hospital, Arnhem, The Netherlands
  • 2Department of Surgery, Rijnstate Hospital, Arnhem, The Netherlands
  • 3Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Rijnstate Hospital, Arnhem, The Netherlands
Further Information

Publication History

Submitted 13 December 2005

Accepted after revision 21 February 2006

Publication Date:
18 July 2006 (online)

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We were confronted recently by an intraluminal colonic explosion during a colonic polypectomy procedure using snare loop electrocautery, probably caused by the presence of hydrogen and/or methane in combustible concentrations. Our patient needed immediate surgery, when several lacerations were found in the colon: a right hemicolectomy and a partial sigmoid resection with primary anastomoses were performed. Colonic bacteria, rests of fecal fluids, certain cleansing solutions, and oxygen insufflation are the main factors involved in cases of colonic explosion. We describe this dramatic event in our patient and discuss whether this complication might be avoidable in the future.

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D. F. G. M. Josemanders, M. D.

Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology

Rijnstate Hospital · Wagnerlaan 55 · PO Box 9555 · 6800 TA, Arnhem · The Netherlands

Fax: +31-26-3787506·

Email: djosemanders@alysis.nl